DIRECTOR'S REPORT FOR 1903; 



To the Honorable Board of Control of the New York Agricultural 

 Experiment Station: 



Gentlemen. — I have the honor to submit herewith my report as 

 Director for the year 1903. It is a pleasure to report that the year 

 has been one of general prosperity in the affairs of the Station, al- 

 though some conditions have been embarrassing, chiefly those occa- 

 sioned by the disastrous fire of the previous year. Broadly speaking, 

 experiment stations in their organization and work are, I believe, 

 approaching each year more nearly their true function and the rela- 

 tion of helpfulness which they should sustain to the art of agricul- 

 ture. In this respect the New York Station is, I trust, not an excep- 

 tion. It is certainly true that each year brings to it a closer relation- 

 ship to agricultural practice and a greater number of increasingly 

 complex problems for solution. 



In what follows I have endeavored to set forth the present status 

 of the institution, the changes and results for the year that is past 

 and the more pressing needs for the future. 



CHANGES IN THE STATION STAFF. 



The frequency of changes in the Station staff noted for the year 

 1902 have continued, through various causes, during 1903. Other 

 institutions seem disposed to forage on us when they are in need of 

 men, and while from one point of view this is a matter for congratu- 

 lation, it is no less embarrassing at times. 



It is with unspeakable regret that I must record here the death 

 of Victor PI. Lowe, M.S., Entomologist to the Station, which 



*A reprint of Bulletin No. 244. 



